Littbarski spent most of his playing career at 1. FC Köln, winning the German Cup once, in 1983, and was three times runner up in the Bundesliga (1982, 1989 and 1990). He has also played for Racing Club de Paris in Ligue 1 as well as for JEF United and Brummel Sendai in Japan. In his career, he was initially used as a deep-lying striker before being utilised as an attacking midfielder. "Litti", as he was nicknamed by German fans, was widely known for his excellent dribbling abilities and humorous attitude, being one of the fan favourites in German Bundesliga during this decade. In 1985 his goal versus Werder Bremen was elected "Goal of the Year".

Littbarski earned his first cap for West Germany on October 14, 1981 in the 1982 World Cup qualification against Austria. West Germany manager Jupp Derwall started him in a three-man front line alongside Klaus Fischer and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. Littbarski's international career got off to a promising start, as he scored both the opening and the second goals in that game. His third international goal came at the 1982 World Cup, in the second round match against Spain, a 2–1 victory. Against France in the semi-final, Littbarski scored the opening goal and, later, on a penalty kick in the deciding post-overtime shoot-out. The now legendary match ended in a 3–3 draw, with the Germans eventually winning 5–4 on penalties. Littbarski was also involved in the dramatic equalizer, crossing to Horst Hrubesch, who headed to Fischer, who in turn scored with an overhead bicycle kick.West Germany lost 3–1 to Italy in the final. Littbarski played the whole match, receiving a yellow card in the 88th minute.

At the UEFA Euro 1984, West Germany, with Littbarski, were eliminated in the group stage after a string of poor performances. The 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, while successful for West Germany, proved less so for Littbarski personally. He was benched by manager Franz Beckenbauer, and had to watch the semi–finals and the finals from the bench. Eventually, West Germany finished again as runners–up, this time losing 3–2 to Argentina.

The German players had high hopes for the UEFA Euro 1988 on their home soil. However, the hosts lost 2-1 to the Netherlands in the semi–finals. Littbarski did not score any goals in the tournament. In 1990, Littbarski enjoyed a successful final appearance at the FIFA World Cup, as West Germany won their third title, defeating Argentina 1–0 in the final in Rome. Littbarski scored his only goal in the group stage against Colombia but started three of the four games at the knockout stage, including the final.

He was also known as "The Demon of Baviera" for his dribbling which annoyed the opposition. It is worth mentioning (or remembering) that this genetic stereotype of player wasn't, and still isn't, a usual one on German football. He was also a specialist of free kicks and scored a lot of goals for a winger.

In terms of positioning he resembles somewhat to C. Ronaldo - a winger who gets upfront quite often and gets to scoring position - as well as goals - with natural frequency.

reckless, you'd better not look at the screen without your eye-glasses, my friend.

his control of the ball was immense but he was passing the opponents with the combination of his quick bursts, wise tricks and twisty body movements as you know. also I find the current agility value quite accurate considering he had such a small frame. to me, the first post reflects him more or less very well.

Cruyff is on 94... Your not taking his height/weight factor into consideration, Cruyff and Robben have a good 12 cm on him. Play him with these stats in the new game with the new speed merchant card for example and he can perform those superb slolom runs of his like you said with these stats. Besides I dont think he was quite as agile as fellow amazing dribblers with same height like Messi or Jimmy Johnstone

I probably wouldn't argue too much with DA @ 95 though, glue on his boots

" If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants." - Isaac Newton